WAR RELIEF.

Taranaki Daily News, 5 March 1920, Page 6

WAR RELIEF.

.SOLDIERS WHO BREAK DOWN. NATIONAL SCHEME PROPOSED. By Telegraph.—Preas Association. Wellington, March 4. At the meeting of the Advisory Board of the Federation of War Belief Societies to-day Mr. Tripp (Wellington) moved: That it is highly desirable a special fund be established for the purpose of helping from time to time throughout their lives those of our soli diers who break down as the result of their war service, together with our permanently, partially or totally disabled soldiers and their dependents who may And the provision made by the Government pension, in view of their own impaired earning power and probably increased responsibilities, totally inadequate for their simplest needs. Mr. 11. E, Gibbons moved an amendment that the board is of opinion that the time lias arrived to establish a national scheme to deal with permanently and partially disabled soldiers, either phvsieally or mentally. The amendment was carried. The Auckland and Southland delegates voted no. The Taranaki delegates did not vote. Mr. Tripp's motion was abandoned. It was decided to convene a conference of all bodies at present administering or holding patriotic war funds, such as the Red Cross Society, Y.M.C.A., Salvation Army,.and other bodies, with a view to the participation of all such bodies in the building up and administration of such a national fund. Mr. Tripp, in his opening address, said that all the men would be demobilised by March HI. Ha was of opinion that the allowances to fit men should be cut down as far as possible for the demand* of the unfit* men. The greater portion of the funds should be set aside for disabled men. He suggested that two-thirds of the funds be "set aside for the assistance of unfit men and the remainder utilised for every-day calls for assistance. The war funds held by the Y.M.C.A. and British Red Cross Society should be utilised for the benefit of soldiers before any portion was handed over to benefit civilians. A National Board should be set up to control the combined funds.